What are the definitions of “take off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make great progress.
The software house really TOOK OFF when they produced the latest version of their DTP package.
- 2Reduce the price of an item.
They've TAKEN ten percent OFF designer frames for glasses.
- 3When a plane departs or leaves the ground.
The flight for Dublin TOOK OFF on time.
- 4Remove.
It was hot, so I TOOK my jacket OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take off is when a plane leaves the ground and starts flying. It is often used to describe the departure of an airplane from an airport. For example, it can mean the moment when a plane's wheels leave the ground, or when a flight begins its journey.
What are the different verb forms of “take off”?
| Root Verb | take off |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes off |
| Present Participle | taking off |
| Simple Past | took off |
| Past Participle | taken off |
Example
The plane is scheduled to take off at 3 pm.
Example
The airplane takes off in 30 minutes.
Example
The plane is taking off right now.
Example
The flight took off on time yesterday.
Example
The plane had taken off before we arrived at the airport.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“take off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She took off her shoes before entering the house.
Example
The store took 20% off the price of the dress.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“take off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She took off her shoes before entering the house.
Example
The store took 20% off the price of the dress.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take off”?
To suddenly become very popular or successful.
Example
The new app took off in popularity after it was featured on the news.
Good things to know
Does “take off” have an informal or formal tone?
Take off is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing air travel, such as the departure of a plane, it can have a more formal tone. However, in most cases, take off is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
